FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2021
VANCOUVER, B.C. – Results from a recent member and supporter survey released today by the BC Craft Farmers Co-op (BCCFC) suggests the provincial government’s slow craft cannabis policy roll-out is holding back significant economic development and job creation opportunities for British Columbians. BCCFC prepared the online survey in response to an invitation from the BC government to provide direction on craft cannabis sales, farm-gate sales, and on-site consumption policies which were first announced in September 2020.
The survey questions were inspired by a list provided by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB). Published on August 10, the survey garnered over 100 responses from members and supporters in less than 48 hours. The results have been shared with the BC government to inform their deliberations.
“The lack of urgency regarding BC’s craft cannabis policy roll-out is costing our province jobs and economic growth opportunities,” said BCCFC President Nicole Post. “Consumers want to purchase fresh, local cannabis from legal craft farmers and support their regional economies. Together, we can implement these good policies when our economy needs it most.”
BC is not proposing to implement any of the direct sales, farm-gate and on-site consumption policies until 2022. Based on the survey results, BCCFC is making a series of recommendations for the BC officials to consider regarding farm-gate and on-site consumption policies:
FARM-GATE SALES
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BC craft farmers should choose which licenced cannabis products they carry in their store. This can include selling their product exclusively and/or carrying cannabis products produced by other local craft farmers.
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In addition to being immediately adjacent to the craft cannabis farm, retail locations should be permitted to sell products online, via home delivery or an alternative seasonal location with other craft farmers.
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Farm-gate retail locations should be able to sell merchandise.
ON-SITE CONSUMPTION
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Permit cannabis consumption at farm-gate locations in safe indoor and outdoor spaces. (100% of respondents believe the policy will strengthen the viability of BC’s craft cannabis farmers, particularly related to tourism and hospitality sectors)
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Sampling of food and beverages should be allowed on-site.
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Impaired driving, delayed onset from edibles and co-use of cannabis with other substances such as alcohol are the most important safety issues to mitigate.
With regards to direct sales, BCCFC is disappointed the provincial government is not responding to previous recommendations from cannabis retailers, craft farmers and BC processors.
“We believe the direct sales, farm-gate and on-site consumption policies are complementary and can be rolled out in a way that encourages collaboration between retailers and farmers,” said Post. “We look forward to presenting a recommendation this month following consultation with our Direct Sales Working Group of licenced farmers, processors, nurseries and independent retailers.”
The BC Craft Farmers Co-op was established in 2020 to accelerate the participation of BC’s legendary craft cannabis farmers into the legal marketplace, maintain BC’s position as a global cannabis leader and ensure consumers and medical patients have access to BC craft cannabis products.
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Media Contact:
BC Craft Farmers Co-op info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com